Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 11:55-12:36; Matthew 21:1-22; Mark 11:1-26; Luke 19:28-48; John 2:13-25
As Jesus is anointed at Bethany by a woman with expensive perfume, he praises her actions as preparation for his burial and declares that her deed will be remembered wherever the gospel is spread. Simultaneously, the plot to arrest Jesus intensifies, leading to his eventual betrayal by Judas for thirty pieces of silver.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 20; Mark 10:32-52; Luke 18:31-19:27
Jesus teaches the parable of the vineyard workers to illustrate the principles of grace and divine fairness, explaining that the last will be first and the first last, regardless of their time of entry into the kingdom. He also predicts his death a third time, emphasizing the necessity of humble service rather than seeking status, and ends with healing two blind men, demonstrating his compassion and authority.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 19; Mark 10:1-31; Luke 16:1-18:30
Jesus addresses issues surrounding divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and teaching that it should not be dissolved lightly, counter to the practices permitted by Moses due to human hardness of heart. He blesses children as belonging to the kingdom of heaven, challenges a rich young ruler to give up his wealth for a life of discipleship, and discusses the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom, affirming that with God, all things are possible.
In Luke 14, Jesus challenges religious and social norms, healing on the Sabbath and teaching humility and generosity at a Pharisee's dinner, where he shares the Parable of the Great Banquet to illustrate God's open invitation to the marginalized. Luke 15 highlights God’s joy in repentance through the Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Prodigal Son, emphasizing the celebration of returning sinners and the limitless grace of a loving father.
Jesus teaches against hypocrisy, emphasizing transparency and the fear of God rather than man, and underscores the eternal significance of acknowledging Him. He illustrates the folly of worldly riches through the Parable of the Rich Fool, urges reliance on God instead of material anxiety, and calls for readiness for His return, blending teachings on practical and eternal preparedness with warnings of judgment for the unfaithful.
Published by bboydComments Off on Luke 10; John 10:1-11:54
Jesus sends seventy-two disciples to prepare towns for His arrival, empowering them to heal and preach about the kingdom of God. The chapter concludes with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing mercy towards all, and Jesus's visit to Martha and Mary, highlighting the importance of spiritual focus.
In John 7-9, amid increasing tension and disbelief from his own family, Jesus chooses to attend the Festival of Shelters in secret, where he openly teaches and challenges the misconceptions of his identity among the crowds. Despite the escalating threats, Jesus boldly asserts his divine origin and mission, promising the Holy Spirit to those who believe in him, and sparking further division and debate among the people and religious leaders.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 17-18; Mark 9:2-50; Luke 9:28-56
Jesus is transfigured on a high mountain, revealing his divine nature to Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing beside him. This heavenly endorsement underlines Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the necessity of faith and predicting his suffering, urging his disciples to embrace self-denial and follow him closely.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 16; Mark 8:11-9:1; Luke 9:18-27
Jesus warns against the spiritual corruption of the Pharisees and Sadducees, likening their influence to leaven, and highlights the need for discernment among his followers. Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, prompting Jesus to foretell his death and resurrection and to call his disciples to embrace self-denial and take up their cross.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 15; Mark 7:1-8:10
Jesus challenges the Pharisees' adherence to tradition over divine commandments, emphasizing that true defilement is a matter of the heart, not external rituals. Demonstrating compassion and divine authority, he heals a Canaanite woman's daughter and miraculously feeds thousands, highlighting his teachings on faith and purity.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 10; 14; Mark 6:7-56; Luke 9:1-17; John 6
Jesus comissions the twelve apostles, sending them to heal and preach, emphasizing reliance on God over material provision. They face both acceptance and persecution, highlighting the cost of discipleship and the deep divisions the gospel brings among people.
Published by bboydComments Off on Matthew 8:18-34; 9:18-38; Mark 4:35-5:43; Luke 8:22-56; 9:57-62
Jesus teaches about the costs of discipleship and performs miracles to demonstrate His authority over nature and the supernatural. He highlights the challenges of following Him, exemplifies His power over storms and demons, and performs compassionate acts of healing, emphasizing faith and obedience.
